Submersible fill pipe dispensing machine



Judy 1Q, 1956 c, CRANDALL, 2,754,082

SUBMERSIBLE FILL PIPE DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1953 7SheetsSheet 5 INVENTOR. (fareflcefi. (ran aaJZ ATTORN Y.

Juiy 10,1956

SUBMERSIBLE FILL PIPE DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1955 C. CRANDALL0 joy M5 v i 4 I 11mm 129 7 SheetsShee" 4.

INVENTOR.

garemefl Cmndaf],

ATTO NE'Y.

y 10, 1956 c. D. CRANDALL 2,754,082

SUBMERSIBLE FILL PIPE DISPENSING MACHINE Filed Dec. 17, 1953 7Sheets-Sheet 5 K INVENTOR.

ATT

July 10, 1956 Filed Dec. 17, 1953 C. D. CRANDALL SUBMERSIBLE FILL PIPEDISPENSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 IIIII" INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

y 10, 956 c. D. CRANDALL SUBMERSIBLE FILL PIPE DISPENSING MACHINE 7Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 17, 1955 INVENTOR. Llczrence .D Cmndai],

2,754,082 SUBMERSELE FILL PHE DISPENSING MACHINE Clarence D. Crandall,Buffalo, N. Y. Application December 17, 1953, Serial No. 398,794 16Claims. (Cl. 249-63) This invention relates to a machine for fillingcontainers with predetermined quantities of fluent material, and it hasparticular reference to a machine wherein the material discharge pipemay be lowered into the container at the beginning of the dispensingoperation and then progressively raised as the container is filled, andwherein the cycle of operation, including stoppage of flow of material,is automatically controlled.

Numerous liquids tend to foam when poured freely into a container, dueto admixture with air. The foaming may be practically eliminated bysubmerging the tip of the discharge nozzle beneath the surface of theinitial layer of the liquid. The present invention contemplates amachine in which the discharge pipe for the liquid may be moveddownwardly into the container to be filled, and with its outlet close tothe bottom thereof, and outlet slightly below the surface of the liquid,so that aeration and foaming will be minimized. It is furthercontemplated that the fill pipe shall be associated with a weighingscale, so interconnected that the motion of the scale beam will actuateinstrumentalities to shut off the flow of liquid when the desired amountof material has been delivered.

More specifically, the invention provides a machine in which adispensing pipe, connected to a source of liquid supply, is mounted forvertical movement with respect to a drum or other container adapted tobe positioned on the platform of a weighing scale. At the beginning of acycle of operation, the container is placed on the scale platform, andsuitable adjustments are made to the effective moment of the scale beamto offset or compensate for the weight, or tare, of the containeritself. The dispensing pipe, or spear as it may be termed, is thenlowered through the bung of the drum to be positioned adjacent thebottom, and thereafter a liquid flow control valve in the spear isopened to admit the liquid.

The spear then rises to a position adjacent the top of the container(assuming that the container is to be filled to its maximum capacity),and it is then arrested in its motion while the flow control valve isactuated to its closed position. The upward motion of the spear is thenresumed until it is out of the drum, and the drum may then be removedand replaced by another.

The motion of the spear, from the time the operator institutes thecycle, is controlled automatically by a number of valves contained in ahydraulic circuit, and which operate in proper sequence to eflfect thedescribed motion. One of the valves controlling the hydraulic fluidflow, which governs the closure of the liquid valve, is actuated of thescale beam, which releases a holding latch for such valve as the desiredtotal weight of liquid is approached.

Other features of the invention include means to disnited States PatentO 0E the flow of liquid to the machine if, for any reason, there shouldbe a failure of the hydraulic pressure employed as the motive force forthe operation. Other features and the numerous advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following description of oneembodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevation looking from the right hand side of the machine,the fill pipe or spear being shown in its lowermost liquid control orfoot valve open, as it would be at the beginning of flow of liquid;

Fig. 2 is an elevation looking from the left hand side;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation;

Pig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section and partly inelevation, looking from the right, and showing in greater detail theweighing mechanism;

Fig. 4A is a detail of a latch member shown in Figs. 1 and 4;

Fig. 5 is a view in plan, with parts in section and with parts omitted,showing particularly a drip catching instrumentality in the positionassumed when the fill pipe is withdrawn from the container;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation, also showing the drip catcher;

Fig. 7 is a section through the fill pipe, showing the foot valve and anactuating piston therefor;

Fig. 8 is a detail of a weight releasing mechanism, looking from thefront of the scale;

Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are sections through some of the control valvesincorporated in the hydraulic circuit; and

Fig. 12 is a diagram of the hydraulic circuit.

Referring primarily to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the machine the conveyor frameto assist in locating the top bun of the drum 24 into correct positionfor filling. A pair of upright channel iron columns 26 and 27 aremounted in spaced relation at opposite sides of the base 21, and theyare interconnected at their upper ends by a cap 28, which provides asupport for a scale beam, hereinafter described. It will be noted fromFigs. 3 and 5 that the columns are inclined inwardly toward each other,and it has been found that this type of framing increases the rigidityof the structure. A secondary base 29, secured to the main base 21 atthe back portion thereof, provides a support for a motor 31, connectedthrough a coupling 32 to a rotary pump 33, which develops pressure inthe hydraulic fluid utilized for the above mentioned automaticoperations.

An elongated cylinder 35, mounted on the outer surface of the left handcolumn 27, contains a piston and its rod 36, to constitute a hydraulicram by means of which the above mentioned spear may be raised andlowered. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3,

away to pass in back is secured to two tubes 42, 43, which are slidablymounted on upright posts 44, 45, positioned between the base 21 and theoverhead cap 28. It will be seen that this arrangement constitutes ahydraulically operated elevator .or the various parts of the machinewhich are mounted on it.

One part connected to the elevator is the main liquid supply pipe, whichincludes a shut-off valve 51, disposed at the back of the machine, andpipe lengths S2 and 53, respectively projecting inwardly and angularlyupwardly to adjacent the left hand side of the machine. The pipe 3, toavoid confusion of lines, but

the location of its upper end 54 is connected to the upper .end of thepipe 53, and it is also connected at its'forward end to a flange Tfitting 55. The lower "id of the tting 55 receives the till pipe orspear 56, and the upper end receives a hydraulic actuating cylinder 57,both of which are shown in section in Fig. 7.

The cylinder 57 is provided with upper and lower caps 58 and 59 eachhaving a duct 6-1 for admission and discharge of hydraulic fluid, andwhich are secured to the cylinder by bolts 62 threaded into the upperend of the T 55. The cylinder contains a piston .53, secured to a hollowpiston rod 64 which extends through both caps. The lower end of the rod64 is connected to a hollow stem 65, which extends downwardly through aspider 66 in the spear 56, for connection to a foot valve 67, formedwith a central bore communicating with the ducts on the rods 64 and 65.It will be apparent that when pressure fiuid is applied through the duct61 in the lower cap 59, the piston will be forced upwardly to seat thevalve 67 against the end of the spear 56, and thus stop the flow ofliquid into a container. Reverse motion of the piston 63 opens the valve67 to allow liquid flowing through the supply line to empty into acontainer.

The purpose of having a central duct or bore through the rod 64, stem65, and valve 67 is to provide a means of collecting and removing liquidwhich drains from the spear 56 after it has been withdrawn from thecontainer 24. Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, a spring loaded normallyclosed valve 71 is shown above the valve 51, and it is mounted on theplate 41. When the valve 71 is elevated, concurrently with the upwardmovement of the spear 56, and as the spear is withdrawn from acontainer, it strikes an adjustable stop pin '72, mounted on a bracket73 on the upper end of the post 45, thus actuating the stem of the valveto open it. One port of the valve 71 is connected by a hose 74 andfitting 75 to the upper end of the piston rod 64, while the other valveport is connected by a hose to a vacuum pump, not shown. Hence, when thevalve 71 is open, a vacuum is applied to the tip of the foot valve 67,to drain drippings through the stem 65 and rod 64 to a place ofdisposal. When the spear 56 begins its downward movement, the valve 71automatically closes to discontinue the suction pressure.

Other means for drip disposal is shown in Figs. 2, 5, and 6. A slightlyinclined rod 81 is fastened at its ends to the arms 37 and 41 of theelevator mechanism, toward the front of the machine. The lower end ofthe rod 81 is rounded off or beveled on its front. A vertical rotatableshaft 82 is supported in front of the rod $1 by a foot bearing 33 on thebase 21, and a bearing bracket 84 projecting from the cap 23. A bracket85 is clamped on the shaft 82, and it supports a short length of pipe86, on one end of which is a drip pan 87 adapted to be positioned underthe spear 56 when the spear is ele vated, as indicated in full lines inFig. 5. The drippings caught by the pan drain through a suitable slotcut in the pipe 86, whose other end is connected by a flexible conduit9i leading to a point of disposal.

A torsion spring 88, interposed between the upper end of the shaft 82and the plate $4, imparts torque on the shaft to rotate it clockwise, asviewed in'Fig. 5, and to a position locating the pan 87 under the spear56. A second bracket 89 is adjustably secured to the shaft 32, above thepan 37, and on it is mounted, for rotatable adjustment, a finger or camfollower 91, whose inner end is curved downwardly, and which is adaptedto contact the rod 81. When the elevator mechanism is in its upperposition, the finger 91 slips under the lower curved end of the rod 31,permitting the spring 38 to rotate the shaft 82 to drip catchingposition beneath the spear 56, and the finger then provides a stop tomaintain the parts in alignment. As the elevator moves down to positionthe spear 56 in a container, the finger 91 'cator is employed to showwhen the rides over the rod 81, to impart a rotational thrust on thebracket 89 and shaft 82, to rotate the shaft counterclockwise andposition the pan 87 in the broken line position of Fig. 5.

Considering next the weighting mechanism, a known type of weighing beamassembly 191 is positioned on top of the channel member 28, and itincludes a base 102, pedestal 1%, multiple arm beam 194 pivotallymounted thereon, connecting swivel 195, and rod 1% extending downwardlyto the scale platform 22. The beam 194 carries weights 197, 168, and1&9, and has a pointer 111 from which may be suspended additionalweights or hangpoise 112, whose influence may be eliminated by rocking alever 113, pivoted on the base 162, to elevate a plate 114 to engage theweights and lift their suspending hook 115 from the pointer eye 116. inproduction operation, the several weights 107, 1598, 1&9 are located ontheir arms to balance the scale against the average weight of thecontainers 2%, or the mean tare weight. 7

Assuming the machine is employed, for example, to fill drums with oil,the user will employ drums of the same size as a matter of course, andsome of these will depart from the mean tare weight by small amounts. Ameans is provided to correct for deviations, without manually resettingthe weights M7, 1% or 1159 in every instance. This comprises a sprocketchain 117, having one end connected to the base 162, and passing over asprocket 118 mounted in suitably located hearings, one of which isindicated by the numeral 119 in Fig. l, as positioned on an angle iron121 extending forwardly from the column 25 on the right hand side of themachine. The other end of the chain 117 is connected to an adjustablebracket 122, fastened on the rod 1%.

It will be seen that the chain hangs over the sprocket, festoon fashion,and that part of the chain between the sprocket and bracket 122 adds tothe weight or moment imposed on the beam 1G4, or in effect adds to thetare weight. Hence, by varying the amount of chain so added to theweight, under or over variations from the mean tare weight may becompensated for. Rotation of the sprocket 118 is efiected through ashaft 125, mounted in suitable bearings 126 and 127, located on theinner side of the angle iron 121. A hand wheel 128 is positioned on theouter end of the shaft 1'25, and the inner end is connected to thesprocket by bevel gearing 129.

A known commercially available type of visible indidesired compensationhas been elfected. A link i151 extends from the beam 1% to a lever 132depending from indicator casing 133 having a window 134 enclosing apointer 135. it Will suffice to note that variations in eiiective chainlength are reflected by small changes the position of the beam ltd.These are transmitted through the link 131 to the indicator, whosepointer can swing to one side or the other of its center poslion toindicate under or over deviations from the mean tare weight. When thepointer is centered, the balance is set for the true tare of theparticular container positioned on the scale. The hangpoise 112, whichhas been held oil its hook during this adjustment, is then lowered. itsweight is that which will exert a moment on the beam equivalent to theweight of the liquid to be filled.

Associated with and actuated by the weighing anism is .a latch 141, sodesignated in Pi s. l T 1 1 4, and reproduced on an enlarged scale inFig. to facilita the disposition of the reference numerals. 'The latchmember comprises a plate 14?. mounted on a depending bracket arm 143secured to the cap 23. A latch finger 144, formed at opposite ends withdetects 145 and 14%, is mounted on the plate 142 by a pivot pin 147.Also pivotally mounted on the plate is a bent lever 148, one end ofwhich is adapted to engage the detent 146 and maintain the finger 144 inan upper position. The other 148 carries a threaded post 149, on whichmay be mounted a number of washerlike counterweights 151, the effect ofwhich, of course, is to rotate the lever 148 clockwise to release thefinger 144.

It will be noted that the counterweights are over the bracket 122 on thescale rod 106, and when the beam 104 is tipped down by the hangpoise112, the bracket 122 lifts and supports the counterweights, and therebypositions the inner end of the lever 148 to a position where it mayengage the detent 1 16. A second bent lever 152, connected to a controlvalve iereinafter identified, is movable between positions where itsupper end engages the finger 144 and detent 145, and a lower poweight,to the dotted line position The operation of the latch is as follows. Aswill be hereinafter explained, there comes a time in the operating cyclewhen to hold it there temporarily. This motion causes the upper end ofthe lever 152 to engage the lower edge of the finger 14 i, moving itupwardly, and causing its free end to cam over the upper end of thelever 148, which then engages the detent 146. Prior to this time, thebracket 122 on the rod 1% has engaged the outer end lever 14% to supportit. The lever arm 152 then engages the container 24, the support for thecounterweights 151 is removed, thereby causing the counterweights torotate the lever 148 to disengage from the detent 146, and permittingthe valve lever 152 to disengage.

the hydraulic circuits, which the elevator mechanism is automatiand inthis connection, reference may be made to Figs. 9 through 12, showingtypical valves and the piping diagram. It will be recalled that, at thestart of a cycle, the spear 55 is elevated, the foot valve 67 is closed,and the pump 33 is running. The liquid to be dispensed may be understoodto be under pressure from an extraneous source, and supplied to thevalve 51 through a hose connection, not shown. It will further beunderstood that the operator has positioned a container under the spear56, and has made such adjustments of the chain 117 as were indicated tobalance the scale against the Weight of the container. At this time, thepump 33 is drawing the hydraulic fluid from a tank 161 through a suctionline 162 for delivery through lines 163, 164 and 165 to a two-way valve166, which is then be described. Fluid pressure is then transmitted to athree-way valve 168, such as is shown in Fig. 10, and thence through aline 169 to the bottom of the elevator ram 35, to maintain the A secondhydraulic holding circuit is, also in operation to maintain the footvalve position to block flow through the supply lines 52, 53, 54. Thiscomprises a branch 171 connected to the line 163, and leading connection172 to a hydraulically actuated four-way valve 174 (Fig. 11), whose stemis coupled at one end to the previously described scale-actuated at thistime, 67 in closed valve 51 and side of the central seal 208, toestablish or close communication between the valve ports. For a normallyopen valve, such as the valve 166, the cylinder 211 is connected to theopposite end of the valve body, the parts being made interchangeable forthis purpose.

The three-way valve of Fig. 10 has one more port 217 and an additionalO-ring seal 213, and it will be apbody, as will be apparent uponinspection, without fur- 168, thereby shifting its stem. It may be notedthat no spring is required in the cylinder 191 of this particular valve.

Referring primarily to the upper portions of Figs. 2 and 3, an angleiron 228, mounted on the posts 44 and 45, projects rearwardly of themachine, and has secured to it a short angle iron 229, disposed at rightangles and extending toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3. A dependingand angularly inclined angle iron 231 is a compression spring 233,extends between the flanges of the angles 228 and 231. The bolt 232 maybe adjusted to vary the inclination of the angle 231, whose inner flangeconstitutes a cam track.

Referring to the bottom of Figs. 2 and 3, a two-way valve 235 having abody such as that illustrated in Fig. 9 is mounted on the plate 41 formovement With the elemoves to its lower position, it

vator mechanism. This valve is normally biased to closed position by itsspring (indicated in Fig. 12), and its stem is movable to open positionby a cam lever and roller 236 (connected by a clevis to such stern),when the elevator moves upwardly, causing the roller 236 to engage thetrack 231. When the elevator and spear are in their'lower position,roller 236 is released from the track 231, and valve 235 assumes itsclosed position. When the spear 56 is elevated a certain amount, valve235 is opened, for a purpose hereinafter explained.

Also shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is a three-way valve 241, biased toward oneof its alternate positions by a spring 242 connected to one end of itsstern, and movable to the other position by a bent lever 243 projectinginwardly and under the plate 41 of the elevator frame and connected tothe opposite end of the stem by a clevis. Referring in this connectionto Fig. 12, the common valve port (262a of Fig. is connected to thecylinder of four-way valve 174 by a line 245. A pressure line 246,extending from the line 171, is connected to one of the alternate ports,while the other port is connected to 'return through a line 2 57. Whenthe elevator mechanism engages the lever 243 to connect the pressureline to the valve 174, to perform a function hereinafter discussed, andwhen the elevator moves upwardly, the spring 242 restores the stern ofvalve 241 to cut oil pressure from the line 245, and allow the line 245'to drain to the return side of the system. A manually adjustablethrottle valve 243 is positioned in the pressure line 2416, to controlthe flow rate and pressure imposed through the valve 241 on the valve174.

In order to institute the cycle of operation, the attendant pushes lever226, thereby manually reversing valve 163. The common line 169, leadingto the bottom of the ram 35, is now out olf from pressure, and isconnected to return through the line 251, in which is positioned amanually adjustable throttle valve 252, controlling the rate of how offluid from the bottom of the cylinder 35. The spear 56 is now free todescend under its own weight, and at a speed which can be regulated bythe setting of the valve 252.

As the spear 56 approaches the bottom of the container to be filled, theelevator plate 41 strikes the lever 243 of three-way valve 241, therebyshifting its stem to connect the pressure line 246 to the common line245 leading to the cylinder of four-way valve 174, and forcing its stemto the left, or to the Fig. 11 position, thereby reversing theconnections to the cylinder 57 controlling the spear foot valve .67.Flow is now established in this circuit through pressure line 173, line173 and to the top of cylinder 57. The bottom of the cylinder is nowconnected to return through line 177, ports 1'76 and 181, and lines 182and 133. Accordingly, the piston 63 of cylinder 57 is forced down,thereby opening foot valve 67, and admitting liquid into the container.The stem of valve 174, upon shifting to the left, actuates the lever 152in a clockwise direction, so that its end engages the latch 1 11,thereby preventing reversal of valve 17 5 upon release of pressurethrough the line 245, and until the lever 152 is disengaged.

It will be recalled that the valve 235, which travels with the elevator,is opened by contact between its roller 236 and the track 231, when thespear 56 is in its upper position. A line 255 extends from one port ofthis valve for connection to the line 178 which, at the start of thecycle, is on the low pressure side of the system. The other port ofvalve 235 is connected by a flexible line 256 to the cylinder of anadditional two-way valve 257, which is biased by its spring to anormally open position. Valve 257 has one port connected to pressureline 163, and the other port connected to a manually adjustable flowregulating valve 258, which is connected also to the pressure line 167leading to valve 163. Hence, at the outset of the cycle fluid pressuremay be applied to line 169 through valves 257 and 258, which are inparallel to ports 175 and 17" into 4 is and 'valve 166-the spring ofvalve 257 inasmuch as line 256 is then connected the line holding itopen, to a return line.

When the spear moves downwardly, due to manual reversal of valve 168,the roller of valve 235 is released from. the track 231, to close thevalve and prevent pressure fluid exerting any force, at this time, onvalve 257, which therefore remains open. As the spear reaches its lowerposition, valve 174 reverses, as just explained, and pressure is thenapplied through lines 173 and 255, to one side of valve 235, but notthrough it at this time. A branch line 259, connected to line 255, leadsto the cylinder of valve 166, and therefore this valve now closes.

It is no desired to reverse the valve 163, so that pressure may again beapplied to the bottom of the ram 35, to elevate the spear at a rateconsistent with the rate of filling of the container. For this purpose,there is provided a by-pass line' 261 around the check valve 193,leading from the lines 178, 1% to a needle valve 262, for discharge intothe line 192 and the cylinder 121 of'valve 163. The needle valve 262 isset to throttle the pressure from the line 178, so that such pressurewill not actuate valve 16% until after the foot valve 67 has opened, todischarge a layer of liquid on the bottom of the container being filled.Valve 262 may therefore be termed a timer valve, introducing a period ofdelay in the application of pressure to valve 16%.

When valve 163 is hydraulically operated, it is returned to its initialpositon to admit pressure fluid to the line 169, and the lever 226 isrestored to its starting position. inasmuch as valve 166 has beenclosed, the pressure is now applied through valves 257 and 25%, thelatter being adjustable to govern the rate of movement of the spear 56.As the spear moves upwardly, the plate 41 of the elevator mechanismrecedes from the lever 243 of valve 251, thereby permitting its spring242 to reverse the valve, and connect the line 2 -3-5 to return line247, thereby releasing the pressure on the piston of valve 17a. Thisvalve, however, cannot reverse, as it is held by the latch 141.

As the spear 5s approaches the upper limit of its travel, cam track 231engages roller 236 of valve 235, there y opening this valve, andapplying pressure to the cylinder of valve 257, which thereupon closes.The motion of the spear is accordingly arrested, although flow of liquidinto the drum continues. At this time, there is suflicient weight ofliquid in the container to begin to tip the scale beam 1%, withconcurrent downward movement of the scale rod 1%. The bracket 122therefore moves away from the lever arm 14%, enabling the arm to rotateclockwise and unlatch the lever 152, as has previously been described.

The spring in valve 17a therefore now reverses this valve, and wih itthe pressure and return connections to the cylinder 57. The foot valve6'7 of the spear therefore begins to close and, with the release ofpressure in the lines 178, 255, 25%, and 256, valves 1&6 and 257 willopen, thereby again applying pressure to the line 169, and elevating thespear to its final position free from the container at an acceleratedrate of travel, due to tr e by-passing of regulating valve 253. There issuificient freedom of displacement of the stem of valve 235 toaccommodate this additional upward movement.

The counterweights 151 on the lever arm 152 are made substantially equalto the weight of liquid which will flow into the container, after thelever 152 is released and until the foot valve 67 has closed, and whichquantity of liquid may be termed the liquid in suspension. When thescale beam 104 is tipped down, the weights 151 act on the rod 1%, andthus pre-load the platform 22, inducing the beam 1% to move upwardlysooner than it would otherwise. As the increasing weight of liquidflowing into the container moves the this efiect of the weights 151 isremoved, as the bracket 122 moves away from the under side of the lever14%.

rod 1% downwardly,-

Hence, the liquid in suspension, added to that already in the container,brings the total weight to that for which the scale is set through thehangpoise 112.

interrelation of the weighing mechanism and bydraulic circuits is ofconsiderable practical significance. For example, one application of thepresent invention has been for the filling of 55-gallon drums withmineral oil, the net weight of which may range from about three hundredand fifty to close to four hundred pounds. With a well built weighingscale in good condition, the weight may be controlled wihin limits ofplus or minus four ounces per drum.

It may also be mentioned that the cam track 231 for valve 23$ may beadjusted through a wide range to enable the machine to dispense aslittle as one gallon of liquid, up to quantities in excess of that justgiven by For filling 55-gallon drums, it has been found advantageous toemploy a 2-inch supply line 52-, U I 4 lll actual filling may bemaintained at say ninety gallons per minute. The hydraulic head pressuremay be maintained at approximately one hundred pounds or more gage, byadjusting of the spring loaded bypass valve 196, to provide an over-allfilling cycle of approximately one minute. Similarly, the maximumdescent of the spear 56 may be readily varied by attaching a dependingrod (not shown) on the plate 41, to engage the lever 243 of valve 241,and such a rod may be made adjustable.

draulic cycle (for example, motor 31 being interrupted), there could beconsiderable spillage of flammable oil before the operator could get theoil supply shut off. Accordingly, the invention fur ther provides apositive control for the supply valve til, causing it to close in theevent the hydraulic pressure should fail. This comprises a hydrauliccylinder 265, constantly connected to the pressure side of the pump 33by a line 266 connected to pressure lines 163 and 171. The cylinder 2-65is mounted on the valve 51 by a bracket 267, and its piston 268 engagesa slidable stem 269 in the valve 51, pushing the valve element of valve51 ofl its seat, and against spring pressure, when there is adequatepressure in line 266. If the hydraulic pressure should drop below a safeoperating value, the built-in spring of valve 51 causes it to close,thereby shutting ofl the liquid supply.

From the foregoing description of a complete operatram 35, the valve 252controls the rate of descent, and the valve 253 controls the rate ofascent during most of the upward movement of the spear 56. The valve166, in parallel with the valve 258, provides for accelerated movementof the spear at the end of the cycle.

The valve 174 controls the position of the piston 63 in the cylinder 57,and therefore the opening and closing of the spear foot valve 67, andthe position of the valve 174 also controls the opening and closing ofthe valve 166. The position of the valve 174 is controlled, on the onehand, by the position of the valve 241, which in turn is governed by theposition of the elevator mechanism. On the other hand, the position ofthe valve 174 is controlled by the quantity of material which has beendisensed. The position of the valve 257 is also controlled by theposition of the elevator, through the valve 235.

The check valve 193 provides for rapid release of hydraulic pressure onthe valve 163, while the needle valve 262 prevents too rapid anapplication of pressure which reverses the valve 163. As such pressureis governed by the position of the valve 174, these valves are alsocoordinated with each other. The hydraulic operating pres stu e iscontrolled by valve 196, and this pressure, in turn,

governs the position of liquid admission valve 51.

elevator position also governs the position and operation of the meansfor removing drip.

These instrumentalities, operating in proper sequential order throughsuitable adjustments,

enables one to disomitted While still retaining a system capable ofoperating on the submerged fill-pipe plan, although the entire numerouschanges and modifications of the structural parts without departure fromits principles. Accordingly, it is not intended that the inventionshould be limited to the precise embodiment shown, but should be deemedto encompass all those modifications, variations, and combinations whichfall within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A dispensing machine comprising a vertically disposed fill pipe, anelevator mechanism connected to the fill pipe for raising and loweringthe same with respect to a container, a closure valve in the fill pipe,a two-position controlling means for the closure valve adapted in oneposition to retain the closure valve closed and in the other position toopen said closure valve, governing means actuated by the downwardmovement of the elevator mechanism to operate said controlling means toclosure valve open position, ascent means actuated by the movement ofsaid controlling means to closure valve open position to move saidelevator mechanism and fill pipe upwardly while said closure pipe isopen, a supply conduit connected to said fill pipe for the admissionthereto of material to be dispensed, and means responsive to apredetermined quantity of material discharged from the till pipe duringthe upward movement thereof and while said closure valve is open toactuate said controlling means to closure valve closed position.

2. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 1, having an additionalmeans operated by the upward movement of the elevator to arrest theaction of the ascent means, said additional means being nullified by themovement of said controlling means to closure valve closing position.

3. A dispensing machine comprising a vertically movable fill pipe,elevator mechanism connected to the fill pipe to move the same up anddown with respect to a con tainer, said mechanism including a ram havinga piston movable in response to the application of fluid pressurethereto, a source of fluid pressure, elevator valve means interposedbetween said source and said ram for applying fluid pressure thereto toraise the ram and for releasing such pressure to enable the ram todescend, a closure valve in the fill pipe, a cylinder containing apiston connected to said closure valve, fluid pressure connectionsbetween said cylinder and said source to apply pressure to the piston ofsaid cylinder, a control valve interposed between said source and saidcylinder to apply pressure thereto to open and close the closure valve,said control valve being biased to closure valve closed position,governing means actuated by the downward movement of the elevatormechanism to apply fluid pressure through said control valve in adirection to open the closure valve, means responsive to the actuationof the control valve to closure valve open position to move the elevatorvalve means to a position to move the elevator mechanism in an upwarddirection, a latch member adapted to retain the control valve in closurevalve open position and engageable with said control valve when saidgoverning means is actuated by downward movement .of the elevatormechanism, a material supply conduit connected to the fill pipe, andweight controlled means responsive to the discharge of a predeterminedquantity of material through said fill pipe to disengage said latchmember, whereby said control valve is restored to closure valve closedposition.

4. A dispensing machine comprising a fill pipe, an elevator mechanismconnected to the fill pipe and movable to direct the fill pipe towardand away from a container to be filled, .sa'id elevator mechanismincluding a ram adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure, a pressurecircuit for said ram including a source of pressure, a return line tosaid source, a manually adjustable regulating valve, and a three-wayvalve having a common port connected to one end of the ram and otherports respectively connected to said regulating valve and source and tosaid return line, means for manually operating said three-way valve toconnect the common .port to the return line whereby the elevatormechanism may move the fill pipe in one direction, a fluid pressurecylinder for the threeway valve, a control valve having a port connectedto said pressure source and a port connected to the cylinder of saidthree-way valve, said control valve being operable by the movement ofsaid elevator mechanism in said one direction to connect the pressuresource to the cylinder or" the three-way valve, thereby to shift saidthree-Way valve to .a position connecting the common line to thepressure source and thereby moving the elevator mechanism in the otherdirection, and a throttle valve in the connection between the pressuresource and the cylinder of the three-way valve, said throttle valvebeing adjustable to vary the time interval between the end of movementof the elevator mechanism in said one direction and the start ofmovement in said opposite direction.

,5. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 4, With anotheradjustable throttle valve in said return line, whereby the rate ofmovement of the elevator mechanism in said one direction maybe varied.

6,. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein a normallyopen valve 'is interposed in series between the source of pressure andthe regulating valve, means actuated by the movement of the elevatormechanism in said opposite direction to close said normally open valve,thereby to arrest the movement of the elevator mechanism, and meansacting sequentially to the closing of said normally open valve to openthe same and enable the elevator mechanism to continue to move in saidopposite direction, thereby to interpose a time delay in the movement ofsaid mechanism in said opposite direction.

7. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 4, having a by-passcircuit between the source of pressure around said regulating valve andto said three-way valve, a normally open by-pass valve in said circuit,means for closing said normally open by-pass valve when the elevatormechanism begins its movement in said opposite direction, wherebypressure is applied through the regulatin valve, and means for openingsaid by-pass valve as the elevator mechanism approaches the limit of itsmovement in said opposite direction, thereby to accelerate the rate ofsuch movement.

8. A dispensing machine comprising a fill pipe having a closure valvetherein, a cylinder containing a piston associated with the fill pipe, arod for the piston extending into the fill pipe and connected to theclosure valve, a source of pressure fluid, a four-way valve, a lineconnecting said source to a port of said valve, additional linesrespectively connected to said valve and to said cylinder on oppositesides of the piston therein, a return line from said valve to saidsource, means in said fourway valve normally biasing the same to connectthe pressure source to that side of the cylinder which will close saidclosure valve and connect the opposite side of the cylinder to thereturn line, means to reverse the connections through said four-wayvalve and thereby open the closure valve, a lever connected to saidfour-way valve and movable to alternate positions depending on theconnections through the four-way valve, a latch member engageable withsaid lever when said connections are reversed to open the closure valve,said latch member, while so engaged, restraining the four-way valve frommovement under the influence of its biasing means, a material supplyconduit connected to the fill pipe, a weighing scale adapted to receivea container for such material, and means connected to a movable part ofthe scale and also engageable with said latch member to trip said latchmember and release said lever when a predetermined quantity of materialhas been discharged into the con tainer, thereby enabling said biasingmeans of the fourway valve to shift the same to closure valve closedposition.

9. A dispensing machine comprising a fill pipe having a closure valve,control means for said valve biasing the same to closed position, anoperating lever associated with said control means and movable to oneposition overcoming the bias in such means to maintain the closure valvein open position, a weighing scale having a counterpoised beam, aplatform, and a rod extending from the platform to the beam to transmitthe efiect of material being weighed, said fill pipe being positionableover the platform and a container adapted to be placed thereon, a latchmember adjacent said rod and operating lever and adapted, when saidlever is in said one position, to engage and hold the same, said latchmember including a counterweight biased to release said latch memherfrom said operating lever, a support for the counterweight connected tothe scale rod and effective, when an unfilled container is placed on theplatform, to ofiset the bias imposed by said counterweight, saidcounterweight thereby preloading the platform, said support beingremoved from the counterweight as material deposited in the containercauses the rod to move, thereby to unlatch the operating lever andenable the control means to close the closure valve, said fill pipebeing connectible to a supply of material to be dispensed, the mass ofthe counterweight being adjustable to have a preloading effectequivalent to the weight of the material discharged through the fillpipe while the closure valve moves from open to closed position.

10. A dispensing machine comprising a fill pipe having a closure valvetherein, control means for opening and closing said valve, said controlmeans being biased to closure valve closed position, said fill pipebeing connectible to a supply of material to be dispensed for fiow pastthe closure valve when the same is open, a weighing scale including abeam, platform, and interconnecting rod, said beam being adapted to becounterpoised against a predetermined weight of material and saidplatform being adapted to receive a container into which material isdischarged through said fill pipe, a latch member having a pivotedfinger and a latch lever adapted to hold said finger in latchingposition, adjustable weights on said latch lever biasing it intodisengagement with the finger, a bracket on said interconnecting rodadjacent the latch lever and supporting said weights when the scaleplatform receives an empty container thereby to move the latch leverinto holding engagement with the latch finger, said counterweightsthereby pre-loading the scale, an operating lever for said closure valvecontrol means engageable with and retained by the latch finger when theclosure valve is moved to open position, said operating lever, when solatched, overcoming the bias of the control means to trip the latch whena predetermined amount of material has been dispensed through the fillpipe, thereby enabling the biasing means of the control valve toestabcurrently reestablishing fluid pressure to the ram through theelevator valve means and move the fill pipe upwardly an additionaldistance.

means, of means for manually instituting a change of pressure on the ramwhich will enable the ram to move downwardly, of means for regulatingthe rate of ascent and descent of the fill pipe, and of means foraccelerating the rate of ascent after the control valve has moved toclosure valve closed position.

13. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 11, characterized by theprovision of adjustable means to control the magnitude of the fluidpressure, and means fill pipe supply means when the fluid pressure dropsbelow a predetermined magnitude.

14. A dispensing machine as set forth in claim 11, characterized by theprovision of means actuated by the movement of the elevator to its upperposition to remove drippings from the tip of the fill pipe.

15. A dispensing machine comprising a support including a base andupright side members, a weighing scale platform on the base, a scalebeam mounted on the upright members and connected to the platform, a rammounted vertically on one of the side members, an elevator frameconnected to the piston rod of the ram and depending therefrom and intothe space between the upright members, a liquid supply pipe mounted onthe frame and extending forwardly and upwardly therefrom, a fill pipeconnected to the the cylinder and piping connections from said sourcethrough the control valve to the cylinder, an elevator valve for the ramand piping connections from the source through the elevator valve tomove the elevator frame thereby lower and raise the platform, agoverning valve mounted on the support adjacent the base and adapted tobe operated by the elevator frame when said frame is in a low position,piping connections from the source through the governing valve to thecontrol valve for shifting the control valve to closure valve openposition, a latch mounted on the support, a lever connected to thecontrol valve and engageable with the latch when the closure valve isopened, a normally open valve in the connection between the source offluid pressure and the elevator valve, an arresting valve mounted on theelevator frame and movable therewith, an adjustable cam track mounted onthe support and adapted to actuate the arresting valve when the framemoves upwardly, piping connections from the fluid source through thearresting valve to close the normal y open valve when the arrestingvalve is operated by engagement with the track, and means movable withthe scale beam and platform for tripping the latch to release thecontrol valve lever, said control valve being biased to closure valveclosed position.

16. A dispensing machine comprising a fill pipe having a closure valvetherein, an elevator mechanism for lowering and raising the fill pipewith respect to a container to be filled, means responsive to thedownward movement of the fill pipe to open the closure valve wherebymaterial supplied to the fill pipe may be dispensed, adjustable meansfor moving the elevator mechanism upwardly in timed relation to the flowof material through the fill cam means being elevator mechanism andactuated drip pain under the fill pipe when said pipe is raised, and tomove the drip pan away from References Cited in the file of this patentUNITED STATES PATENTS

